www.CostaRicaTicas.com

true looking to replace that one been on alot of trips your luggage does get beat up

I've been using a rolling duffel for years.
My first one was made by Jansport. I think that I paid less than $90 for it on sale at http://www.campmor.com. I used it for years of traveling all over the world. Ironically it was a short trip to San Jose (CA) that did it in. It evidently got trapped on a conveyor belt somewhere & got chewed up pretty well.

I replaced it with a similar bag made by Eagle Creek. It cost me much more BUT it has a lifetime, no-questions-asked gurantee! Last one I'll buy, I hope!

I like the rolling duffel because you can find ones that don't weigh a ton. Remember the 50lb weight limit. Every lb your bag weighs is one less pound of stuff you can take with you. If you go for a duffel, don't bother with one more than 30". You can easily cram 50lb into a 30". The 36" are a waste.

Buy a name brand one. I've heard nothing but tales of woe from people who shopped at WalMart for luggage.

Hope this provides some insight.

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

I sold luggage for a few years. Brand wise the traveler that wants quality and dependability has a few options.
1)TUMI- an excellent top line bag.Has one of the best designs in the industry.American made of the best ballistic nylon(a must have for every bag you own)and carbon fiber in the frame.This suitcase will probably outlive you.
2)Delsey and Travel Pro- Two excellent mid line bag brands. I personally use these two brands exclusively.My Delsey and Travel Pro bags have been through airports in 30 countries more times than I can count. Be it SEA, Costa Rica,a trip to Europe or anywhere else I am headed, these bags are ready to go.Reliable everytime.

Notice I did not mention Samsonite? Over the past ten years or so this company has been bought, sold and redirected way to many times.It is trying to be a cheaper department store product so they have compromised greatly in quality.Thier accessories, along with Eagle Creek brand, are second to none.But the suitcases for the international traveler are over priced and of poor quality and construction.Take a pass on them for the Travel Pro or Delsey.If the Tumi gives you a bit of sticker shock.

Also never buy hard side luggage.In this era of over wieght charges and smaller vehicles, your hard side luggage will give you problems world wide.Unless you are Japanese and going to Vegas. Then the heaviest hard side luggage made is an absolute must.

With most airlines now charging $15, $25, & $100 for checked bags in sync with CAFTADR, is there future in buying luggage

Many US Domestic travelers are actually shipping their bags via DHL, UPS, and FedEx to avoid charges, security, and bag drag. "Fly Free" buy what you need when you get there. Take the basics on board.

An entire new market may open up in support of travelers. Clothes that can wash easily, destinations that offer overnight laundry services, boutiques that have travel comfort clothing and shoes, detergent products that take care of biz in a hotel room. Disposable clothing:?:

Trend shift and market opportunity especially if you work the "green, reduced carbon foot print" too.

pv,

Elroy

Rick Steves the travel guy has a soft suitcase that doubles as a backback and a version on wheels. we've been using the unwheeled one for a couple years as a carryon. holds a lot and durable fabric. can't remember where it's made, it was about $100.

Yes, but have you seen what these outfits are charging to ship your luggage? For the same couple of hunderd dollars that they charge you could hit town & buy a new wardrobe! Granted, they provide alot of convenience with door-to-door pick-up & delivery but for my money I would pay to check a bag on the the flight.

Now some of you gringos viejo y rico may consider shipping your bags but I think I'll drag my junk through the airport.

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

http://www.costco.com/Browse/ProductSet ... opnav=&s=1

I just picked up a two piece set 26" and a 30" for $119.00